A public memorial service for "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin began early today with an emotional tribute from Hollywood actor Russell Crowe.

"It was way too soon for all of us," Gladiator star Crowe said in the recorded tribute. "We have lost a friend, a champion. It will take some time to adjust to that."

Australian prime minister John Howard, among the 5,000 at Irwin's Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Queensland, for the ceremony, was the first to speak at the memorial. "This is ... a celebration of a terrific life well-lived," Howard said. As expected, there was one empty seat at Steve Irwin's personal stadium - his. The 44-year-old conservationist was killed on September 4 when the barb from a stingray pierced his chest.